My name is Diana Mizikar. I just finished my freshman year at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in chemical engineering. I was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area. I have always loved my city and enjoyed going to sporting events. Now attending Pitt and being a member in the University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band, I have continued attending sporting events. Being a Pitt fan has always been in my family, as I will become a third generation Pitt alumnus.
Now, being able to continue marching band in my first year of college, I have experienced so many new adventures. I was able to go on three different trips with the band throughout the season last fall. We traveled to Notre Dame for a regular season football game in October. During this trip to Notre Dame, we stayed in Chicago which gave me the chance to explore a new city. The football team won the ACC Coastal divisional championship, so we traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina to support the football team at the championship game. Finally, we traveled to El Paso, Texas for the Sun Bowl in December. During all three of these trips with the marching band, I was able to explore and visit three new cities. In addition to being in marching band, I enjoy playing softball, snow skiing, and being a member of Pitt SWE, Society of Women Engineers. Being a member of Pitt SWE, I am given the opportunity to volunteer and meet new women with the same passion for engineering. I decided to pursue engineering due to my interest in math and science. I was fortunate to take many upper level classes in high school in these subjects which led me to the path of engineering.
I am super excited to be given the opportunity to go to China with Plus3. This once in a life time opportunity will allow me to see a phenomenal place as well as engineering companies. I am looking forward to seeing the smartphone industry while going to the major company’s in China. I am anxious to go to the different company visits they have planned for us. As an engineer, I am excited to see the engineering aspects of the company visits along with learning some business aspects as well. Along with going to the companies, I am excited to see some of the well renowned sites. I am looking forward to visiting the Great Wall of China along with exploring the ancient city of Xi’an and seeing the bustling city of Shanghai. I am excited to be given the chance to explore a new place and grow as a person. I have never traveled by myself outside of the country before but, it is going to be a learning experience and I cannot wait to take the challenge on!